NCERT Class 5 The World Around Us Our Wonderous World: Chapter 7 — Energy — How Things Work
This chapter, 'Energy — How Things Work,' from NCERT's 'Our Wonderous World' for Class 5, introduces students to the fundamental concept of energy. It connects energy to everyday experiences, explaining how it enables movement and light. The unit explores different forms of energy used in homes and society, emphasizing the importance of clean and efficient energy sources. Through hands-on activities and local examples, students learn how everyday objects function and the processes behind them. The chapter encourages observation of local practices related to energy use and promotes sustainable development principles like the 5 R's (refuse, reduce, reuse, repurpose, recycle). It aims to foster a deeper appreciation for materials and the environment, helping students make responsible decisions and connect with their surroundings.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 5 |
| Subject | The World Around Us |
| Book | Our Wonderous World |
| Chapter | Chapter 7 — Energy — How Things Work |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 506 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the concept of energy and its connection to everyday experiences.
- Identify different forms of energy used at home and in society.
- Explain how energy makes things work.
- Recognize the importance of using clean and efficient energy.
- Connect everyday objects to the larger ideas of work and energy.
- Understand and apply principles of sustainable development (5 R's).
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Energy | The capacity to do work or cause change. |
| Sustainable development | Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. |
| Refuse | To decline to accept or use something. |
| Reduce | To make smaller or less in amount, degree, or size. |
| Reuse | To use something again. |
| Repurpose | To adapt or reassign for a new purpose. |
| Recycle | To convert waste into reusable material. |
| Forms of energy | Different types of energy such as heat, light, sound, electrical, mechanical, etc. |
| Efficient energy | Using energy in a way that minimizes waste. |
| Clean energy | Energy from sources that do not pollute the environment. |
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Practice questions
- What is energy and how does it help things work? Answer: Energy is the capacity to do work or cause change. It makes things move, produce light, heat, or sound, enabling them to work.
- Name two forms of energy you use at home. Answer: Examples include electrical energy (for fans, lights) and heat energy (for cooking).
- Why is it important to use clean energy? Answer: Clean energy sources do not pollute the environment, helping to protect our planet.
- What are the 5 R's mentioned in the chapter? Answer: The 5 R's are Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, and Recycle.
- How can you reduce energy consumption at home? Answer: By turning off lights and appliances when not in use, using energy-efficient devices, and walking or cycling for short distances.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main topic of NCERT Class 5 'Our Wonderous World' Chapter 7?
The chapter 'Energy — How Things Work' introduces students to the concept of energy, its various forms, and its importance in everyday life.
What are the learning objectives for this chapter?
Students will learn to connect energy with daily experiences, identify different energy forms, understand how energy makes things work, and appreciate the need for clean and efficient energy.
What are the 5 R's discussed in the chapter?
The 5 R's are Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, and Recycle, which are methods for sustainable development.
How does this chapter help students understand their environment?
It helps students see the unseen processes behind familiar things, appreciate materials, and understand the impact of energy use on the environment.
What kind of activities are suggested for this chapter?
The chapter suggests simple hands-on activities and using local examples to help students play and learn about energy and its uses.
What is the connection between energy and 'making things'?
Energy is essential for processes like cooking, keeping warm or cool, and even for the machines used in making clothes, linking everyday objects to larger ideas of work and creation.
Related resources
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Topics covered
NCERT Class 5 The World Around Us — Our Wonderous World — Chapter 7 — Energy — How Things Work. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.